News Release

London Police Officers Charged

Witness Assistance

Mississauga (26 March, 2014) --- The Director of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), Tony Loparco, has reasonable grounds to believe that two officers with the London Police Service (LPS) committed a criminal offence in relation to injuries sustained by 27-year-old Charles Snodgrass in November of 2013. Director Loparco has caused charges to be laid against the officers.

The SIU investigation determined that on Saturday, November 2, 2013, at about 1:30 a.m., Mr. Snodgrass was arrested by two officers with the LPS. During this time, there was an interaction between the officers and Mr. Snodgrass, resulting in his injuries.

As a result of the SIU investigation, LPS Constable Gareth Harris and LPS Constable Ryan Hendrick have been charged with Assault Causing Bodily Harm, contrary to s. 267(b) of the Criminal Code of Canada.

The officers are required to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at 80 Dundas Street, London, on May 8, 2014. The Justice Prosecutions branch of the Ministry of the Attorney General will have carriage of the prosecution.

As this matter is now before the courts, and in consideration of the fair trial interests of the charged officers and the community, the SIU will make no further comment pertaining to this investigation.

The SIU is an arm’s length agency that investigates reports involving police where there has been death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault. Under the Police Services Act, the Director of the SIU must

consider whether an officer has committed a criminal offence in connection with the incident under investigation

depending on the evidence, lay a criminal charge against the officer if appropriate or close the file without any charges being laid